Sunday A&E: Pick 6

The best bets for the week ahead

Dec. 27, 2012

Jim Short

Written by

1. All you need is love — and a ticket to the Des Moines Symphony’s salute to The Beatles. The New Year’s Eve Pops features a tribute band called the Classical Mystery Tour, backed by the full orchestra, at 8 p.m. Monday at the Civic Center. $35-$95. www.dmsymphony.org.

2. The local improv group Comedy XPeriment kisses 2012 goodbye with its (sorta) annual New Year’s Eve party at the Civic Center’s Stoner Theater. It starts with a dessert reception at 9 p.m. Monday, followed by a 10 p.m. sketch show based entirely on audience suggestions. So expect something about chipmunks or Cool Whip. Or maybe property-tax reform. Actually, we have no idea, but we can tell you this: The night ends at midnight with a Champagne toast. $25 per person or $40 per couple. www.civiccenter.org.

3. The Des Moines Social Club’s annual New Year’s Eve Bash takes over Capital Square on Monday, starting at 8 p.m. Will there be music? Yes, from Max Wellman, Tires, Love Songs for Lonely Monsters and others. Will performers swoop above the crowd on swings? Absolutely. Will there be a human ball-drop? Yes again, thanks to acrobat Ann Stimmel. All ages are welcome, but only those 21 and older can drink. $20 today, $25 on Monday. www.desmoinessocialclub.org.

4. The Australian-born comedian Jim Short hits the Funny Bone stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, with additional 9:45 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday. His growing list of TV credits includes spots on Comedy Central, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and NBC’s “Late Friday.” $10-$15. Must be at least 19. www.funnybonecentral.com.

5. The soulful singer-songwriter Madison Ray (who starred in “Rent” last summer at the Des Moines Community Playhouse) and his band All the Single Ladies are gearing up for two CD-release parties next weekend. First, at 6 p.m. Thursday at the House of Bricks in the East Village. $6. www.thehouseofbricks.com. Then just a block away, at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Wooly’s. $7. www.woolysdm.com.

6. What? This list isn’t rowdy enough for you? Then may we suggest a little something called Monster Jam at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena. Drivers will race 12-foot-tall, 10,000-pound machines around an obstacle course and, if we’re lucky, smash a few things into smithereens. $22-$47. www.iowaeventscenter.com.